Charles R. Drew University grants LAUSD students special admission

Officials from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and Los Angeles Unified School District-West at a signing ceremony May 30, 2017. The organizations agreed to enable qualified students from LAUSD-West to pursue careers in medicine and science at the university. Photo: CDU

LOS ANGELES — Twenty-seven Los Angeles Unified School District-West students were granted “instant” or “early” admission to Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science as a result of the second partnership between Charles R. Drew University and LAUSD in 13 months.

“One of our most important goals at CDU is to help reduce health disparities and create more access to quality health care in under-resourced communities” — David M. Carlisle, MD, PhD. Photo: CDU

“Instant” admissions are given to graduating seniors, who are accepted for the Fall 2017 term at CDU, while “early” admissions are given to current juniors, who are accepted for the Fall 2018 term.
The agreement, which will enable qualified students from LAUSD-West to pursue careers in medicine and science at the university was announced at a signing ceremony at CDU on May 30, 2017, and is similar to the arrangement offered to LAUSD-South students in April 2016.
Charles R. Drew University has also signed “instant” or “early” admission memorandums of understanding with Compton Unified School District, Verbum Dei High School, and West Los Angeles College, and expects to sign additional agreements with Los Angeles County schools, school districts and community colleges in the coming year.
“One of our most important goals at CDU is to help reduce health disparities and create more access to quality health care in under-resourced communities,” said Dr. David Carlisle, CDU president, and CEO. “According to a 2015 survey, more than 80 percent of our alumni go on to practice in underserved communities following graduation. So when we’re able to provide an opportunity to high school students from underserved areas to enter the medical field, we are directly addressing that critical goal.”
LAUSD Board President Steve Zimmer said it is about changing health care in America.
“These students here could be the ones who, five or 10 years from now, are summoning a combination of science, technology, training, and compassion to serve a public in need of their care. It is their rightful place at this university, and it could be their rightful place in a career in medicine,” Zimmer said.